Remote working: an option for your workplace?

Remote working might save companies money but staff are worried about what they might miss out on by being out of the workplace, a new study has found.  

The study, commissioned by Durler Consulting and carried out among 40 companies with 50-500 staff, shows a mixed response in attitudes to remote working.  

Fear of missed promotion opportunities, envy of other employees, health and safety concerns and lack of social interaction were listed as concerns. However cost savings, improved technology, shorter working days and environmental reasons were all raised as benefits to the businesses who are embracing it within their strategy.  

One company said that remote workers are saving an average £2,000 per year and that they as a business are benefiting from greater productivity according to the research.  

However, one respondent said that despite promoting the recognised benefits, only 2% of staff have so far taken them up on the offer.  

Many businesses were found to be shying away from offering home-working because of the perceived disruption to work practices. Some felt that redefining work routines would disturb the status quo, and that working remotely would be to the detriment of quick decision-making. Individuals were more concerned with lack of social interaction and the fear of being overlooked in key decisions and promotions. 

Robin Hills, from Durler, is keen to alert employers to the fact that any potential disadvantages caused by initial restructuring are far outweighed by the potential benefits enjoyed by those that do offer home-working: 

“When surveyed, employers actively promoting home-working do so because of the massive impact this has on staff retention.

“In sectors such as education, in which specific skills and expertise are extremely valuable, employers realise the positive influence a harmonious work-life balance has on staff-morale.

“Alongside this, many employers are keen to be seen as actively eco-friendly; working from home not only saves staff money but goes a long way to reducing the carbon footprint of a business.”

Lone Working 2008: Special Report is the new publication from Workplace Law, designed to help you get to grips with these issues and determine whether lone working is a viable option for your business.

Using practical case studies, checklists and assessments, the report discusses the pros and cons of lone working, and what an employer must do to overcome the dangers, implement healthy and safe working policies, and ensure their lone workers are being cared for just as well as those in the traditional workplace.

  For more information about the report, which will be available to buy this afternoon, call 0871 777 8881.